ICD-10 Code B17.9 – Acute viral hepatitis, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B17.9 – Acute viral hepatitis, unspecified
What it is
B17.9 identifies an acute viral hepatitis infection when the specific virus is not documented. Use it for a recent hepatitis illness with viral cause, but without enough detail to name the type.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include jaundice, fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and dark urine, but the record must support an acute viral hepatitis diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use B17.9 when the provider documents acute viral hepatitis and does not specify hepatitis A, B, C, or another type. It also fits when the chart confirms viral hepatitis but the exact agent is still unknown.
Code from the provider’s final diagnosis, not from suspicion alone. If the record later identifies a specific viral hepatitis type, choose that more specific code instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic viral hepatitis, toxic hepatitis, or hepatitis with a clearly documented specific viral type. Check documentation if the episode is not acute.
Coding tip
If the note says only “hepatitis” or “viral hepatitis,” verify whether the type and acuity are documented before assigning B17.9.